Leslie Davis hit by GBP1million distraction theft

An estimated £1 million worth of jewellery has been stolen from a Leslie Davis store in Milton Keynes by thieves who started fires to distract the police.

The planned distraction theft happened at 3am on the morning of Thursday October 16 in Eagle Walk Centre: MK. Police said the raiders deployed “planned distraction and deterring tactics”, such as using metal ropes to halt vehicles, padlocking entry gates and starting small fires.

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Nobody was injured in the incident and details of the items stolen are still to be confirmed.

Police have described how one fire was started near Milton Keynes’ open market, causing officers to close roads, including Secklow Bridge.

A similar raid was carried out at Watford’s intu shopping centre in August, when thieves stole jewellery and watches from several shops in the early hours of the morning. Three cars, half a mile from the centre, were set alight to distract forces.

Det Insp Jason Keane from Hertfordshire Police said the force was liaising with Thames Valley Police "in order to establish any possible links".